Comforts of Home and Homestyle Cooking

A New Tradition and favorite…Irish Coddle and Soda Bread

This is an edited post from way back when…one of my first posts, worthy of a repeat.

I came across this recipe back then and have since then introduced the dish to several family members. We LOVE it! This is a classic Irish dish and although a great dish for St. Patrick’s Day…it should be enjoyed…anytime! It is a simple recipe, very hearty and flavorful.

For the layers….
Into a 3 quart baking dish (9×13)…layer the bacon, sausage, potatoes,and onions. Sprinkle with pepper, to taste, as you go (also salt if you like…but I find the dish to be salty enough from the bacon), and sprinkle each layer with the fresh, chopped parsley. After layering the meat and veggies…pour the chicken broth evenly over the layers.

When I first started making this dish I didn’t cut the bacon and sausage into bite sized pieces…but that is how I like to prepare it now….especially when you are making enough for a crowd.

Ready for The Oven

Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees until potatoes are tender (about an hour). Uncover and bake a little longer until lightly browned…about 30 minutes.

Irish Coddle and Soda Bread…a great combination for St. Patrick’s Day…or any day!

Irish Soda Bread…

a hearty, homey bread, a bit like cornbread. Buttermilk gives this bread a very distinctive flavor…very good! Simple to make…even if you aren’t a bread baker.

Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

4 tablespoons white sugar

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon salt

To brush the top of bread while it bakes…1/4 cup melted butter and 1/4 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl (I use my Kitchen Aid Mixer) mix flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. With a fork or pastry blender…blend in the softened butter or margarine until you have coarse crumbles Mix egg into buttermilk and add this mixture to the dry ingredients.

Turn out onto lightly floured surface and knead…or change to kneading hook on mixer…and knead slightly.
Then form into a round loaf and place on lightly greased baking sheet or pan.

Kneaded, Shaped Loaf

Ready for The Oven

Brush the mixture of melted butter or margarine and buttermilk over dough. Continue brushing this mixture over the bread as it bakes. Cut an ‘X’ into the top.

Bake at 375 degrees for 45 – 50 minute…or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

And…Voila! Ok…that’s French!

Delicious IRISH Soda Bread!

Ready to Enjoy

Cool slightly….slice and serve warm…with your Irish Coddle!

This bread is best served warm…but still delicious the next day…and the next!

In Parting…me Darlins…

An Old Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

I hope you give it a try. It is so simple…and great flavor! The bread is really not difficult either…but do let me know if you try the coddle. Would love to hear what your family thinks of it. Have a blessed day!

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